Passenger Traffic Nears Record Numbers at Tallahassee International Airport

April 18, 2022

In recent months, Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) has seen demand for air travel increase, nearing record-breaking numbers marked in 2019. Compared to 2019 traffic, TLH passenger traffic has trended above nationwide numbers. Through the first quarter of 2022, passenger traffic at Tallahassee International Airport is up 93.9% compared to the first quarter of 2021. Aircraft traffic/operations at TLH are up 19.2% for calendar year 2022 as compared to calendar year 2021.

“Our airport is buzzing with activity – both people and projects – as air travel surges locally and nationwide,” City of Tallahassee Director of Aviation David Pollard said. “Due to competitive, affordable airfares and our focus on improving the customer travel experience. Additionally, TLH is outpacing national TSA passenger throughput activity levels and the numbers are continuing to climb.”

Owned and operated by the City of Tallahassee, TLH continues to invest in improvements to provide an exceptional experience for all travelers. Major projects are in progress, including a $28 million International Passenger Processing Facility.

“Tallahassee International Airport is a major economic driver for the Big Bend region, generating an economic impact of more than $599 million. It plays a critical role in the City’s Five-Year Strategic Plan to further establish Tallahassee as a competitive, innovative and sustainable economic hub,” Pollard said.

As part of airport enhancements, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently installed state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanners at the security checkpoint. This infrastructure investment improves the travel experience for customers, who no longer need to remove electronics or travel-size liquids from carry-on luggage to pass through the CT scanner.

For those wishing to move through the security checkpoint even faster, passengers can enroll in the TSA PreCheck program. TLH has partnered with TSA multiple times during the past few years, most recently in October 2021, to help residents enroll with less hassle. Another temporary enrollment center event is scheduled for later this summer.

With customer service top-of-mind, TLH was recently certified as an Autism-Friendly Business through the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at Florida State University (FSU Card). This involved extensive staff training for airport, airline and TSA employees. As part of these efforts, TLH now offers an interactive travel guide to help young guests and new fliers. With the comfort of four-legged travelers in mind, TLH also provides a pet-friendly, fenced in space located steps away from the main terminal entrance.

“TLH is proud to provide a convenient, friendly and positive travel experience for all passengers flying to and from Florida’s capital city. As we grow, customer service remains a top priority,” Pollard said.